According
to Paul Towndrowís sleeve-note, this album
was recorded with the help of a borrowed generator
in six hours during a power cut. But this
band could generate enough power to keep the
National Grid running for days. Towndrow is
a young Scottish saxophonist whose previous
album, Out of Town, consolidated his
position as a dynamic and exciting musician.
Paul wrote all but one of the tunes on this
album. Most of his compositions arenít the
sort of thing youíll whistle on your way to
work: itís the energy and commitment of his
band that strikes you most.

The
only non-original on the CD, the Beatlesí
Across the Universe, is readily recognisable
but played in a style that recalls the freedom
of John Coltrane, with Paulís saxophone swirling
around, above an equally mobile backing provided
by the rhythm section. Things calm down for
Steve Hamiltonís lyrical piano solo. Steveís
playing on this album is one of its major
attractions, as is the unstoppable drumming
of the extraordinary Alyn Cosker.

Paul
Towndrow admits to the influence of fellow
Scots saxist Tommy Smith but Paul is seldom
as laid-back as Tommy can be. With Alyn Coskerís
seemingly tireless drums keeping the temperature
high, most tracks are extrovert and forceful.
Protective Memory offers the one gentler
moment with a ballad featuring Tom MacNivenís
poignant trumpet (or flugelhorn) and Michael
Janischís expressive double bass. Crook
Sludge is distinguished by its rhythm,
which is the sort of thing you might hear
from a New Orleans marching band (or even
Wynton Marsalisís representation of the same).
This and Across the Universe are the
most accessible tracks on the album, because
of the familiar reference points. But every
track captures the listener through daring
and imagination.

Paul
Towndrow is going to be big, and deservedly
so. I have only a couple of suggestions for
the next album. First, Paul might try smiling
in the cover photo, as thereís surely no need
to look so fierce. And secondly, please print
the sleeve notes for the next album in a more
readable form than brownish red on a black
background!